Multiphase Computational Scientist

Description

Job Description:

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

We are seeking a Multiphase Computational Scientist to join our team in Morgantown, WV.  The position will allow for a hybrid of onsite and remote (up to 20% remote on average) research and development support for the NETL R&D facility in Morgantown, WV. This position will support collaborative research with the National Energy Technology Lab’s (NETL) Computational Device Engineering team.  One role will be to assist NETL in the development and application of detailed reactor models including but not limited to accurately capturing the effects of feedstock variability (size, shape and ash effects) on reactor performance.  A large part of this role will be devoted to extending and creating new capabilities for MFiX, an in-house open-source software dedicated to multiphase flow reactor modeling efforts.  Code acceleration techniques involving GPU computing and machine learning as well as other physics-based code improvements are constantly evolving.  Application-driven code improvements also require programming capabilities, particularly in Fortran and C++. The MFiX suite will be used to develop the model and small-scale cold-flow experiments will be used to help determine optimal gas-particle drag correlations and other key parameters for the model.  The researcher will support NETL to utilize data from experiments using small-scale, cold flow testing in the Multiphase Flow Analysis facility.  Data will be used to help calibrate important model parameters.

Come join the Leidos Research Support Team supporting the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), where you’ll be able to work side by side conducting research with world-class scientists and engineers using state of the art equipment to contribute to new areas of basic and applied research; discover, integrate, and mature technology solutions to enhance the nation’s energy foundation and protect the environment for future generations. You will contribute to the development of patents, written reports, journal articles, and contribute to presentations on findings, highlights, and innovative solutions in DOE-sanctioned meetings, scientific conferences, and national committees. Explore the Research Support Services (RSS) contract for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) here - https://netl.doe.gov/.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading! 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide R&D technical support for the NETL multiphase flow sciences program.

• Collaborate closely with the multiphase flow science program members on developing numerical /analytical / computational and mathematical studies of advanced energy conversion systems. Apply experimental data to model validation and improvement.
• Perform computational model development and computational research for advanced energy conversion systems. This includes modifying existing code, implementing new models to meet application needs, deriving numerical algorithms, and incorporating published computational methodologies into MFiX suite of software.
• Conduct Quality Assurance (Verification and Validation) on new developed models.
• Develop high fidelity analytical and computational models of steady state and dynamic flows in advanced energy conversion systems.
• Analyze experimental data from laboratory tests and published data from other authors.
• Present ideas and results to the research team. 
• Contribute to future research planning and assist with proposals.
• Work independently and collaboratively with members of the research team to meet milestones and deliverables.
• Assist or lead efforts in writing research papers and creating conference presentations. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field with an emphasis in computational multiphase fluid dynamics research involving reacting multiphase fluid dynamics in gas-solids, gas-liquids, liquid-solids, three-phase reacting flows, numerical analysis, and mathematical modeling
• 1+ years of postgraduate research and development experience in computational, mathematical, and analytical model development relevant to energy conversion and chemical process systems that includes an emphasis on computational multiphase flow with experience in development and application of various Euler-Lagrangian methods, including Discrete Element Method and Coarse-Grained Discrete Element methods and Two-Fluid Modeling approaches
• Ability to develop and use computational fluid dynamics models for multiphase unsteady flows which span multiple flow regimes

• Ability to design, implement, and maintain scientific software
• Expertise in using FORTRAN, C, Python, MPI, OpenMP, Python, and C++ computer languages, on High Performance Computing (HPC) systems
• Familiarity with both mesh-based and particle-based numerical methods including finite difference, finite volume, Lattice-Boltzmann, discrete element, molecular dynamics, hard sphere, and Coarse-Grained discrete element methods
• Ability to design and implement new computational models as well as the ability to assess and modify existing models in computational codes used by NETL researchers; ability to develop, design, and recommend physical experiments to obtain data necessary for model validation and uncertainty quantification
• Proficiency in computational modeling of complex multiphase flows, heat transfer, and thermal management
• Expertise in using Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) software such as the NETL MFiX Suite, ANSYS FLUENT/CFX, OpenFOAM, LIGGGHTS, Barracuda, and ParaView.  Expertise in performing CFD simulation and comparing results of the analysis with experimental measurements
• Working knowledge of multiphase flow modeling and analysis techniques using Eulerian-Eulerian and Eulerian-Lagrangian methodologies for gas-solid and gas-liquid multiphase flows
• Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus

Preferred Qualifications:

• Development and application of complex multiphase computational fluid dynamics codes to study gas-solid multiphase systems, including fluid beds and other configurations important to energy conversion and chemical reactors- especially using the NETL MFiX Software Suite
• Scientific code development and application with an emphasis on creating computational models to aid in the design, understanding, and analyses of complex multiphase flow systems including Discrete Element Methods (DEM), Particle in Cell (PIC) method, Discrete Particle with Immersed Boundary (DP-IB), Immersed Boundary Method (IBM), Two-Fluid Modeling, and Kinetic Theory of Granular Flow approaches
• Experience in working closely with laboratory-based projects for the purposes of model validation and helping guide laboratory test plans for generating validation data
• Familiarity with fossil energy reactors and systems and ideally experience in modeling these systems with multiphase CFD tools
• GPU programming experience
• Machine learning programming experience
• Code profiling and debugging

Salary Range for this role: $90K to $110K

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 44,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $13.7 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

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Commitment to Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.